Abstract: The selection of a strategy to seismically upgrade an existing building is difficult problem. In fact, several different technologies are available this aim nowadays. Furthermore, many generally conflicting options have be considered assess the performance each alternative. Decision support systems like so‐called multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) methods may useful in making, as much possible, objective and rational choice. This article investigates applicability effectiveness...

The upgrading of existing structures that are not adequate to withstand seismic demand is a widely adopted and effective approach aimed at risk reduction. Nowadays, many feasible retrofit strategies, employing traditional and/or innovative materials, several options available professionals. Each one has different performances in respect some criteria, i.e., technical economical, by which each alternative can be evaluated. selection the most suitable strategy for particular structure may...

The seismic capacity and performance of code-conforming precast buildings is assessed in the study. case study consists single-story designed according to Italian building code considering low high seismicity sites varying both geometry layout soil conditions. behavior through multiple-stripe analyses performed nonlinear three-dimensional modeling. Fragility computed by several methods, evaluation based on margin ratios, failure probabilities, reliability indexes. Damage limitation, life...

Glazed curtain walls are façade systems frequently chosen in modern architecture for mid and high-rise buildings. From recent earthquakes surveys it is observed the large occurrence of non-structural components failure, such as storefronts walls, which causes sensitive economic losses represents an hazard occupants pedestrians safety. In present study, behavior wall stick under seismic actions has been investigated through experimental in-plane racking tests conducted at laboratory...

Semi-active magnetorheological (SA MR) dampers seem to represent the easiest way materialize concept of smart devices for semi-active structural control. SA MR can be utilized as reactive force generators, when control algorithms adopted drive are derived in framework theory, or dampers, real-time change their mechanical properties is aimed at providing, any time, optimal amount damping a structure. The two approaches have different requirements modelling devices. Based on an experimental...

This paper describes the main results obtained from shaking table tests performed on a 1-storey steel frame isolated by innovative rubber bearings and magnetorheological dampers (hybrid isolation). The proposed base isolation technology is based use of made low-cost recycled elastomer reinforced with fibre sheets. Bounding strain demand for such isolators because severe earthquakes within acceptable values key point this research, crucial effective application to real cases. A specific...

The work proposes an innovative solution for the reduction of seismic effects on precast reinforced concrete (RC) structures. It is a semi-active control system based use magnetorheological dampers. special base restraint remotely and automatically controlled according to algorithm, which modifies dissipative capability structure as function instantaneous dynamic response. aim that reducing bending moment demand without significant increase in top displacement A procedure optimal calibration...

The experimental analyses of response time and dissipative capability two prototype magnetorheological semi-active dampers are presented herein. These activities have been conducted during an Italian research project on devices manufactured in Germany. A detailed report the analysis based data is commented. It shown how control delays strongly dependent effectiveness electric part hardware, generally being less than 10 ms if special care paid designing whole chain. capacity further analyzed...

In the last decades, many efforts have been made by scientific community and technicians in order to develop effective practical retrofit approaches for industrial RC precast buildings. Given aftermath of recent earthquakes, which identified structural non-structural dry joints as highest source seismic vulnerability, majority techniques involves interventions at connections level. The primary function creating an adequate constraint is nowadays frequently associated energy dissipation,...

The medium to long term behavior of a prototype magnetorheological (MR) damper for structural control earthquake induced vibrations is investigated herein. Unlike some applications which MR devices experience frequent dynamic loads, seismic dampers might not be used most their life, staying dormant period until an hits the hosting structure. This work aims evaluate effectiveness after years inactivity. A device has been tested twice, first in 2008 and then 2013, five absolute comparison...

During preliminary design of a RC building located in seismic area, having quick but reliable analytical measurement interstory drifts and storey stiffnesses might be helpful order to check the fulfillment damage limit state stiffness regularity elevation required by codes. This paper presents two approximate methods, strongly interrelated each other, addressed achieve these purposes for frame buildings. A brief description some already existing methods same aims is included compare main...

The effectiveness of the various control algorithms for semi-active structural systems proposed in literature is highly questionable when dealing with earthquake actions, which never reach a steady state. From this perspective, paper summarizes results an experimental activity aimed to compare four different on mock up representative class particularly prone seismic actions. controlled structure near full scale 2-story steel frame, equipped two bracing including magnetorheological dampers...